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Callous comments from officials

Wed., Feb. 6, 2013

Re: Spence butt of jokes at Tory dinner, Feb. 1

Spence butt of jokes at Tory dinner, Feb. 1

I was appalled to read what Senator Patrick Brazeau said at the fundraising dinner about Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence. Although I do not support hunger strikes or protests, insensitive comments like his about a person’s weight and shape spur on body hatred and, while not the cause, can be an impetus for deadly eating disorders.

He should make a public apology about his insensitive remarks and do a little research into eating disorders.

Hunger strikes serve to idealize the act of starving oneself to death, which is in no way a good thing. People who have anorexia nervosa are doing exactly that — starving themselves to death, and they need help. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and is deadlier than obesity.

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We need to wake up and denounce such ill-thought out practices as hunger strikes, not make a positive example of those who partake in them. Starving oneself should not be inspirational.

Jessica Tavares, Toronto

I see NDP MP Charlie Angus recently disparaged “the cracker base of the Conservative Party.” Racist comments from a Member of Parliament? Not very civil.

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